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Free Music Notes for TruthFree Music Review: Robben Does it Again Hit: 5 Stars
Robben Ford scores again with another great record raising the bar for guitar players everywhere.
Free Music Review: Funky, soulful, high quality blues! Hit: 4 Stars
Robben Ford `Truth' CD review; Concord Records
Mr. Ford is widely recognized by critics and his musical peers for his always fresh and extremely tasty guitar playing, his musical career reads like a who's who, recording and touring with a vast array of artists; Charlie Musselwhite, Joni Mitchell, Tom Scott, The Yellowjackets, Mavis Staples, Georgie Fame, Boz Scaggs, Ben Sidran, George Harrison, John Mayall, Jimmy Witherspoon, Miles Davis, and many more!
For many years it has been said that the blues will never die, but it does change and needs to grow to remain fresh. Robben Ford's latest Concord Records release, "Truth" (August 7, 2007) is definitely twenty-first century modern blues; performed smart and powerfully on Robben's third recording for Concord. All but one track included are originals, with the only cover being the dynamite reading of the Otis Redding B-side "Nobody's Fault But Mine."
`Truth' starts off favorably with the opening track "Lateral Climb", as Robben discusses the working people's daily grind, and world political frustrations and failures. Other highlights include "You're Gonna Need a Friend", which is infectiously funky and was also co-written by his wife and singer Anne Kerry Ford. Robben also pays his respect to the King of the Blues- B.B. King; on `Riley B. King" which boils very sweetly for over six minutes, and never attempts to imitate or replicate B.B's guitar playing or singing, thus showing off Robben's heart-felt appreciation of B.B. The only guest on `Truth' is Susan Tedeschi where the two beautifully meld together in a duet setting.
Ford was rightfully named one of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century" by Musician magazine, and this new release continues to show Robben's outstanding guitar work which is up front and in your face throughout this new disk. Robben's guitar solos are always expressive and well thought out, plus the musical settings of all the musicians involved are top shelf. Robben's vocals and song-writing also continues to grow, which when you think about it, is a nice combination to offer old and new fans of this extremely talented musician.
`Truth' will be released on August 7, 2007, and Robben will also be touring in support of the release, plus he will be releasing a DVD/CD with another guitar master; that being the great Larry Carlton, and they will also be on a world-wide tour.
It's always great to have a new release from Robben Ford, and `Truth' is just another fine example of how Robben continues to evolve and expand the boundaries of the blues.
Bob Putignano [...]
Free Music Review: Enthralling. Hit: 4 Stars
Blues guitarist, Robben Ford (Yellowjackets), has a new album on Concord Records titled "Truth".
The blues will never die is an axiom proven over and over again, but it does change shape.
Robben Ford's latest release presents blues as they are today: in a powerful setting only a master veteran like Ford could envision.
"The blues have always been socio-political", says Ford.
In the opening song "Lateral Climb", he addresses the 9 to 5 grind, credit card debt, and the political frustrations we all experience.
"Peace on My Mind" was inspired by Willie Dixon's "It Don't Make Sense, You Can't Make Peace", which Ford describes as an anti-war song without being too preachy.
"If you're pointing the finger, no one wants to hear it. It's a portrait rather than a sermon. The truths I describe are self evident"
In this set, Ford also incorporates playful tunes, like "You're Gonna Need a Friend", co-written by his wife and singer Anne Kerry Ford.
In it, Ford subverts blues clichés, such as the evil lady who bedevils her victim.
Other tracks on the album include a funky cover of Paul Simon's "One Man's Ceiling Is Another Man's Floor", which features guest vocals by Susan Tedeschi, as well as loyal version of Otis Redding's early B-Side, "Nobody's Fault But Mine".
This is an album from a jazz electric guitarist that has a splash of soul, a pinch of R & B and a dash of jazz.
All of these genres mixed together form a musical brew that will enthrall listeners, and Ford's emotive lyrics will put the poignant feeling over the top.
My favoutite tracks are : "Riley B. King", which has bluesier guitar work with a slow pace, "One Man's Ceiling Is Another Man Floor" (on which Susan Tedeschi, with her soulful voice literally saves a cover of Paul Simon's song ) and "River Of Soul".
I'm loving it.
You will like it for sure!
Free Music Review: Hey, it ain't Zeppelin, but... Hit: 4 Stars
I gave this record 4 stars, because it isn't quite the tour-de-force that you find on "Tiger Walk"(instrumental with the "Expensive Winos") or "Blue Moon" (return to roots-my current favorite).
The fact is that Robben has a diverse set of influences, (as do I). Miles didn't hire the man for no reason.
"Truth" is exactly what I expected. The soulful playing, top-notch recording, and back-up musicians don't wane, and he has consistently been able to look forward, driving progressive blues, and still tip his hat to those that inspire him, with choice covers ("Badge" and "Money" from "Keep on Running", Otis Redding and Paul Simon here). His homage to BB King here is absolutely heart-felt.
I firmly believe that Robben Ford is as good a "traditional" guitarist as there is in the marketplace today, and he makes the effort on his solo projects to keep himself reliable, fresh, and entertaining for his followers, while working to expand and revive the blues, and, further, open the ears of all that choose to harken. He incessantly eschews chops for a melody and a theme, but his note choice at any moment will make your head turn.
If you care to hear him get down deeper, check out Jing Chi, with Vinnie Colaiuta (Zappa, Sting, Holdsworth) and Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets). Three feet required.
Free Music Review: Hitting his stride Hit: 4 Stars
With "Blue Moon," "Keep On Runnin'", and now "Truth," Robben seems to have finally found himself when it comes to the kind of recordings he wants to make. He's matured as a songwriter, has excellent taste when it comes to doing covers of songs by others, and he's grown confident in producing his own work with musicians who complement his jazz-inflected approach to the blues (which remains his most distinctive characteristic). Robben is the best blues player in America, and I only hope recordings such as this will get him the wider recognition he deserves. I've enjoyed hearing Robben in person countless times, if you've never had the privilege, do yourself a favor and go hear him live. He's an exciting performer, always gracious to his bandmates and his audience, and his soloing always leaves me breathless. Go ahead, the "Truth" will set you free!
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